Show Ring F A Q
Put stuff in here to help newbies :)

Don't forget that you will need an exhibit number holder for your arm, you can buy one from the vendors at the show.
Be careful walking past all dogs in crates, some will lunge and scare the daylites out of your puppy, if puppy has a really bad scare will hate shows for evermore. If you win a challenge (best dog or bitch of your breed) means you have won some points and you need to go and collect your challenge certificate or BOB cert from the office afterwards, don't forget because it can be hard to collect them after that day and you need them when your dog gets to 100 for proof.
Don't forget to put a stamp self addressed envelope in with your show entries. There is a computer program to download your own entry forms its so much easier than writing them out all the time.

This information is helpful, good topic I had asked some other questions in another thread in The Show Ring but just noticed this thread so I might keep the questions in here from now on.

Can someone please explain what Sweepstakes are? I've heard people say "He came fourth in Baby Puppy Sweepstakes" or similar, what is this?

Also (thanks to another thread!) I have just worked out all the classes, and what winning them means, etc. When it comes to the Group judging, they have classes again, is that right? So you get Baby Puppy of Group, Puppy of Group, Junior of Group, etc...? Then out of all THOSE winners do they choose an overall Best In Group? Same goes for Best In Show? Or have I got this bit totally wrong...

You can actually enter multiple of classes, but if you are awarded 2nd in one, you are automatically disqualified from the others as you are a second place getter.

I know one person who once entered her dog in state and open, there were 3 dogs in state and she was the only one in open, because she entered both, she had to participate in both, she got awarded 2nd in state, which meant she was already a beaten dog, and couldnt go in both.

IMO - Its a waste of money.

When it comes down to choosing if you want to enter your dog in Minor or Puppy, i go on maturity. If I have a very mature 8 month old, I may put it up to Puppy. But you must remember some dogs in puppy are almost 12 months.

This information is helpful, good topic I had asked some other questions in another thread in The Show Ring but just noticed this thread so I might keep the questions in here from now on.

Can someone please explain what Sweepstakes are? I've heard people say "He came fourth in Baby Puppy Sweepstakes" or similar, what is this?

Sweepies are a fun, yet still competitive class. They nominate an age group, and any exhibit in that age bracket is eligible to participate, usually the entry fee is about $5.

Usually there are 1st - 4th places. The entry fee goes back as rosette and the prize money. For winning 3rd in Puppy Sweeps this weekend, i got a rosette and $30.

All breeds go in together, instead of being broken down to breed / group and judges pick from a line up of all breeds. They can usually attract about 30 entries.

Hope this clears it up for you

Ohhhh ok. So do they just nominate an age group on the day? Or do you know in advance that this show on this date will have Puppy Sweepstakes? Are all age groups included - surely they wouldn't have Open would they? Heaps of dogs in there I'd imagine!

This information is helpful, good topic I had asked some other questions in another thread in The Show Ring but just noticed this thread so I might keep the questions in here from now on.

Can someone please explain what Sweepstakes are? I've heard people say "He came fourth in Baby Puppy Sweepstakes" or similar, what is this?

Sweepies are a fun, yet still competitive class. They nominate an age group, and any exhibit in that age bracket is eligible to participate, usually the entry fee is about $5.

Usually there are 1st - 4th places. The entry fee goes back as rosette and the prize money. For winning 3rd in Puppy Sweeps this weekend, i got a rosette and $30.

All breeds go in together, instead of being broken down to breed / group and judges pick from a line up of all breeds. They can usually attract about 30 entries.

Hope this clears it up for you

Ohhhh ok. So do they just nominate an age group on the day? Or do you know in advance that this show on this date will have Puppy Sweepstakes? Are all age groups included - surely they wouldn't have Open would they? Heaps of dogs in there I'd imagine!

No, it will be advertised in the schedule what sweepstakes are available at the show. We are having a show coming up where they are having Baby, Puppy, Junior, Non Champion, Champion, Neuter, Veteran, Special Veteran sweepstakes.

Just wanted to ask this question again, if someone wouldn't mind clearing it up for me I'd really appreciate it

cassie, on 12th May 2009 - 04:50 PM, said:

Also (thanks to another thread!) I have just worked out all the classes, and what winning them means, etc. When it comes to the Group judging, they have classes again, is that right? So you get Baby Puppy of Group, Puppy of Group, Junior of Group, etc...? Then out of all THOSE winners do they choose an overall Best In Group? Same goes for Best In Show? Or have I got this bit totally wrong...

Just wanted to ask this question again, if someone wouldn't mind clearing it up for me I'd really appreciate it

cassie, on 12th May 2009 - 04:50 PM, said:

Also (thanks to another thread!) I have just worked out all the classes, and what winning them means, etc. When it comes to the Group judging, they have classes again, is that right? So you get Baby Puppy of Group, Puppy of Group, Junior of Group, etc...? Then out of all THOSE winners do they choose an overall Best In Group? Same goes for Best In Show? Or have I got this bit totally wrong...

oh bugger, nevermind - I just went to check facts and am back to being confused